Faldo: Rory change a concern

Last updated: 8th November 2012

Six-time major winner Nick Faldo reckons Rory McIlroy might be taking a big risk by switching club manufacturers.

McIlroy is believed to have signed a lucrative new ten-year deal with Nike - said to be worth upwards of $200million - which will take affect when his current contract with Titleist/Footjoy expires at the end of the year.

Such a switch will obviously necessitate a change in equipment - something which Faldo believes could be a cause for concern.

Asked if it was a risky decision, Faldo said: "I believe it is. We get a split-second with the ball on the club and you get used to how a golf ball feels and sounds.

"When you change (clubs), the weight can be different, the woods could be different.

"It's a massive contract and it can be very tempting but you have to be careful when you go and make changes."

Former Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie, however, reckons that while it would be a problem for most players, it shouldn't be one for someone of McIlroy's ability.

"It is dangerous, it is risky, but I don't think for him," Montgomerie told ESPNStar.com.

"He's very natural and he can use whatever. The shaft that he's using will be the same, which is very key these days. He'll adapt fairly well, as long as the shaft remains the same.

"I think he'll be as successful as he is with the new equipment as he was with the old."